Netanyahu: We Will Not Accept Iranian Entrenchment in Syria

During his address at the IAF pilots’ course graduation at the Hatzerim air base on Wednesday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hailed Israel’s weapons industries, and said that it is producing missiles that can strike “anywhere” in the world. He also said that Israel will not accept Iranian entrenchment in Syria.

“Several days ago I visited Israel Aerospace Industries,” he said. “They’re developing special capabilities that no other country in the Middle East has, and I tell you that some of them, no other country in the world.

“This includes weapons systems, defensive systems and offensive missiles that can reach any target anywhere. In the history of the Middle East, there’s never been aerial activity such as this. Aircraft ascend and descend, take off and land, and reach arenas near and far, very far.”

Netanyahu said that Israel is “not prepared to accept the Iranian military entrenchment in Syria, which is directed against us. We will act against it vigorously and continuously including during the current period.

“I have said that we will not be deterred from doing what is necessary. Therefore, we are called upon and we act. President Trump’s decision to withdraw the American soldiers from Syria will not change our policy. We’re standing steadfast on our red lines in Syria and everywhere else.”

He added that “as part of foiling the threats, we are continuing with Operation Northern Shield on our border with Lebanon. Yesterday, I toured the line with the IDF Chief of Staff, GOC Northern Command and the members of the Security Cabinet. I saw the excellent work that is being done there.

“We are eliminating Hezbollah’s terrorist tunnels one after the other. They think they can produce weapons of destruction against us [but] we can overcome them with stratagems, daring and determination.”